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Boating In Iowa

  • Black Hawk Lake, IA
  • Clear Lake, IA
  • Coralville Lake, IA
  • Lake Red Rock, IA
  • Rathbun Lake, IA
  • West Okoboji Lake, IA

By AA-Boats & Boating Staff Writers

Boating In IowaIowa offers a fantastic boating experience with its abundance of beautiful lakes, making it a haven for boaters of all kinds. Some of the most popular boating lakes in the state include Clear Lake, Spirit Lake, and Saylorville Lake. These lakes provide ample opportunities for boaters to indulge in various water activities, from leisurely cruises to exhilarating watersports.

Pontoon boats have become a staple on Iowa's lakes, attracting families and friends who seek a relaxing and enjoyable boating experience. With their spacious and comfortable seating, pontoon boats are perfect for socializing, picnics, or simply soaking in the picturesque views of the surrounding nature.

Families, in particular, find Iowa's boating scene appealing, thanks to a wide selection of family boats designed to accommodate everyone on board. These boats are equipped with safety features, ample storage, and comfortable seating, making them ideal for spending quality time with loved ones on the water.

Boat enthusiasts in Iowa can explore a diverse array of boat types to suit their preferences. From fishing boats tailored for avid anglers to high-speed powerboats for thrill-seekers, the state's boating industry caters to a broad spectrum of interests.

For those who don't own boats, rental boats are readily available at numerous lakes and marinas across Iowa. Renting a boat offers the opportunity to experience different types of vessels and enjoy the serene beauty of Iowa's lakes without the commitment of ownership.

Iowa's boating scene is a testament to the state's appreciation for nature and outdoor activities. With its popular boating lakes, pontoon boats, family-friendly options, boat rentals, and a diverse selection of boat types, Iowa provides an inviting environment for boaters to explore and enjoy the many wonders of its waterways.

Enjoy the many places to go boating in Iowa. Whether it's a family outing or just the guys going fishing or skiing, boating is fun for all. And there is boating in all corners of of the state. Whether you live in the northwest, northeast, southwest or southeast part of the state, chances there are plenty of opportunities to go boating nearby.

Boating in IA

For further information about boating in Iowa, contact the Iowa Department of Natural Resources - Boating Licenses located at 502 E 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319. The phone number is 515 281-5918.

Iowa locator map - boating opportunities.

This website focuses on all aspects of boating including new and used boats for sale, boat rentals, repairs, accessories, storage and more.

For convenience, resources are listed first by area of the Iowa, then by proximity to cities, waterways, parks, campgrounds and other relative attractions in IA. Cities listed in this section include Boone, Fort Dodge, Lamar, Sioux City, Spencer, Cedar Falls, Deborah, Dubuque, Mason City, Waterloo, Bedford, Des Moines, Hamburg, Indianola, West Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Iowa City, Mt Pleasant and Oskaloosa.

Resources are also identified nearby campgrounds including Black Hawk State Park, Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, Emerson Bay State Recreation Area, Backbone State Park, Beed's Lake State Park, George Wyth State Park, Green Valley State Park, Lake Ahquabi State Park, Lake Anita State Park, Elk Rock State Park, Geode State Park and Lake Darling State Park.

Rivers & Lakes For Boating in IA

Iowa lakes with boating opportunities are listed within quadrants of Iowa include Big Spirit Lake, Clear Lake, Spirit Lake, Tuttle Lake, West Okoboji Lake, Backbone Lake, Cedar Lake, Lake Mills, Snyder Access Recreation Area, Volga Lake, Brushy Creek Lake, Lake Icaria, Lake Manawa, Little River Lake, Three Mile Lake, Coralville Lake, Lake MacBride, Rathbun Lake, Red Rock Lake and Saylorville Lake. Many of these lakes offer multiple boat launching facilities at various locations around the lake.

Iowa also affords some boating or canoeing on rivers like Floyd River, Little Sioux River, Cedar River, Shellrock River, Racoon River, Thompson River, Des Moines River and Skunk River.

Boating opportunities in Iowa

Northwest IA Boating
Northeast IA Boating
Southwest IA Boating
Southeast IA Boating

IA boating equipment and gear.

Throughout Iowa you can find boat dealers, outdoor centers, sporting good stores, bait and tackle stores, RV centers and discount stores offering a wide variety of boating equipment, accessories and supplies.

Go boating in Iowa

Gather up the family along with some snacks and refreshing beverages and go enjoy the thrill of fresh air in your face and the sun on your back. When boating you can see parts of Iowa accessible only by water. Often you'll see birds and wildlife not normally seen in city areas. Plus, sunrises and sunsets always seem more majestic when you are in the great outdoors.

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